As signs of water scarcity in Scotland continue to grow, Fisheries Management Scotland expresses strong concerns about what this might mean for wild salmon and freshwater fish populations throughout the country.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) began warning of a greater risk of water scarcity at the beginning of March, and with half of all river catchments now at Alert status across Scotland in mid-May, this could mean challenging conditions for our wild salmon and freshwater fish populations.

Wild salmon and freshwater fish require cold, clean water to thrive and the building water scarcity situation means that there is an increased risk of higher water temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen levels – both high risk factors for fish welfare and survival. Low water levels can impede fish migration, particularly at man-made barriers, causing fish to congregate in greater numbers. This not only increases stress and the risk of disease outbreaks — including Saprolegnia, a damaging fungal infection already affecting some rivers — but also makes fish more vulnerable to poaching. Water quality can also be impacted by water scarcity – with less water in our rivers and lochs, there is less capability for dilution of pollution.

We are pleased to see that the SEPA are working with organisations such as the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) and other partners to provide advice on efficient water use.

Dr Alan Wells, CEO of Fisheries Management Scotland said:

“We have been closely monitoring the current water scarcity situation, and with no appreciable rain forecast, there is a very real prospect of the situation worsening in the coming weeks. Many of Scotland’s rivers are already extremely low, and the implications for our native fish are serious. We reiterate the importance of heeding the advice SEPA have provided to those who abstract water for various uses, including crop irrigation. It’s important to plan ahead, use water efficiently, and give serious consideration to implementing voluntary reductions in use wherever possible.

“In the longer term, it is clear that Scotland’s approach to water scarcity needs further thought. Scotland’s farmers should be supported to invest in water storage and alternative watering strategies, and this should be coupled with the introduction of conditions in all abstraction licenses which specify the river flow level where water abstraction must stop or reduce to protect the environment. This ‘hands-off flow’ must be set according to ecological need.”

Fisheries Management Scotland have asked our members – the district salmon fishery boards, the River Tweed Commission and rivers and fisheries trusts – to monitor watercourses in their areas and report local evidence of water scarcity. I would urge anyone to report information to SEPA – this includes dry riverbeds, low flows or affected habitat. Reports should be made to lowflowimpacts@sepa.org.uk.